The rotator cuff connects the upper arm to the shoulder blade. It gives the shoulder joint stability and strength. Tendonitis happens when the tendons in the shoulder become irritated and swollen.
The tendons of four muscles in the upper arm form the rotator cuff, blending together to help stabilize the shoulder. The rotator cuff tendons allow you to raise and rotate your arm. This video discusses what happens when these tendons are damaged.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons hold the arm in its joint. They help the shoulder turn. The rotator cuff muscles and tendons can become irritated from repeated rubbing against the shoulder bone. This is called shoulder impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tendonitis.
Any one of the rotator cuff tendons can fray or tear from causes such as injury and overuse. A tear may be partial, with some of the tendon still intact. Or it may be a complete tear, with the tendon fully torn.
